I want to buy a car for my kid, a Mercedes diesel of any type. It seems most in my area (Rhode Island) Are 300D's. The engines it seems are bulletproof if maintained well. But what about the Automatic trannys on the 80's 300D's? Are these pretty reliable? when do they go out if well maintained (transmission service once a year, automatic clutch every 100K)? Comments appreciated. Also it seems that prices for Mercedes diesels are pretty cheap in Houston. Every car that I have looked at for less than 2000 dollars has been horribly abused and rusty. I think my bets bet will be to buy one from my friend at the MB dealer up the street, and for 2500 dollars, be insured a trouble free car. Comments?